A new episode of ‘The Local’s Perspective”, this time a short interview with Claudio, who lives in Managua with his family and grew up in Nicaragua almost all of his life. I was lucky enough that he was so kind to answer my questions. Here we go and thank you, Claudio!

How was growing up in Nicaragua?

I was born in Esteli in 1981, its a beautiful small town and very well known in the world for his tabacco. From 1979 to 1990 Nicaragua was on a civil War, so me and my family went to live in Costa Rica until 1990. I came to 4th grade at school and you need to remember that a lot of people came after the war, so at first it was tough at school because of my accent and they made fun of it. When I was young, there were not a “smart” phone and we just to play soccer, trompo (Nicaraguan tradition with a wooden spinning top), with marbles and baseball. During the 90’s it was very difficult with the transition from war to a democratic country.

How has the country developed over the last couple of years?

We are growing 4.5% every year just behind Panama. Great roads and a lot of international investment on clean energy and Nice Hotels in Managua, Leon, Granada and on the beaches.

And what are the countries greatest strengths and weaknesses at the moment?

The biggest strength in Nicaragua is the peace we leave nowadays, in comparison to our neighbor countries. So, you may go any place in Nicaragua with no worries. And our greatest struggle is to fight the corruption like most Latin Americans countries.

What are your favorite places in Nicaragua and why?

Esteli, because of its great people and food. Managua, because I live there and it’s the most developed state or providence in Nicaragua. And An Tola in Rivas – It has the most beautiful beaches and one peculiar thing is that it’s offshore the whole year. If you go there, you should stay at the Magnific Rock hotel at the top of the biggest Hill in Popoyo.

Typical food that everybody should try?

Nacatamal – it is a mixture of corn, rice, potato and pork wrapped in banana leaves.

Why should tourists visit Nicaragua?

You should visit Nicaragua, because there is not a place on earth with these beautiful beaches, volcanoes, great and cheap food. But mostly it is a must to visit Nicaraguan because of the people that would make you feel at home.

What are typical traditions for you in this county?

On December 7 we as a Catholic we celebrate our Virgin Mary and it’s call “ La Gritería “ with songs and Nicaraguan typical food for that day to give away to the people that walk every house celebrating this tradition. Managua as every town or state has his saint or virgin that celebrate as Catholics tradition with typical region food and fireworks.

And finally, describe Nicaragua in three words

Beautiful, peaceful and great people